You might think that letting a car sit idle for a long period of time is no big deal and it will still be in the same condition as it was last time you drove it, you are quite wrong. But no matter how trustworthy a car is, it needs to be maintained regularly in order to function properly. A machine that is built to be driven will deteriorate if not used frequently making it expensive for you to get it fixed.
If your car hasn’t been driven in a long time here are some problems that can occur.
Battery
Cars that are not driven frequently will typically run out of battery power. Your car’s battery may recharge while you drive, which is frequently why batteries don’t run out of power for years. A car’s battery won’t be able to recharge if it is left parked for an extended period of time.
Since every car is different, it’s difficult to determine how long the car must be parked for the battery to run out. It can take from a few weeks upto several months depending on the prior condition of the battery.
Low Tire Pressure
A car’s tires support the entire weight of the car in one location for a considerable amount of time when it is stationary. Long periods of immobility can also cause flat spots to appear on the tires. Every day, the same area of the tire is compressed by the weight of the car. Driving a car after it has been idle is likely to cause vibration, which can be amplified by low tire pressure. Driving a car with a low tire pressure can be dangerous.
Rust
If the car is stored in a moist environment or in the open it can accumulate rust which can ruin the frame of the car. The car does not rust when it is driven more frequently because of the heat produced.
The brake rotors may get rusty, causing the brake pads to become attached to them. If this occurs, there is an extremely significant threat to your safety because the brakes might not function correctly when you eventually get to drive the car again.
Fuel Degradation
Fuel will begin to deteriorate after thirty days. Old fuel will not only become less effective at starting the engine, but deposits could form and harm the fuel system.
When diesel fuel is left sitting, it can also develop problems. It can contain bacteria and fungi, which can cause something called “diesel algae.” This sludge has the potential to seriously damage engines by clogging the fuel system.
Pests
Pests may find an appealing place to live in an idle car. It is common for insects, rats, and mice to build homes in cars that are not used frequently. They may gnaw through wires, build nests in air filters, or clog vents with their nests and droppings.
This can seriously harm the car’s electrical system and other parts in addition to making a mess. Removing these undesirable tenants can be expensive and time-consuming.
Engine Problems
And lastly, engine problems are among the most concerning consequences of keeping a car parked for an extended period of time. Engines are complicated machinery that require frequent running to maintain their optimal performance.
The internal engine parts of an idling car may dry out from a lack of oil circulation. This may result in corrosion, particularly on metal components, and when the engine is restarted, it may seize up or perform poorly.
How Can You Avoid These Issues ?
Here are some ways to ensure that your car does not face any severe problems if it is going to be parked for a while ;
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Use a car cover – You can keep the car covered to avoid pests, rust or dust accumulation on the exterior.
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Start the car – If you start the car on a regular basis, this will keep the battery recharged. You can also disconnect or place your battery on a battery tender.
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Add a fuel stabiliser – To stop fuel degradation, think about adding a fuel stabiliser to the tank if you plan to store the car for longer than a few months.
Wish To Sell the Car ?
If your car is old or a junk car it is a better option to sell it rather than keeping it on your property and letting it rot away. A car sitting idle for a long period of time will not be fit to drive on the road as you need a roadworthy certificate to drive a car in public.
If your car is not roadworthy it can cost a lot of money to get it back into shape and it would be a wise decision to sell it and invest into a new car. Cash for cars Sydney is a reputable car removal service that provides the most convenient car selling experience. They also have free towing services and will offer a great price for your old car.
Summing Up
If your car has been sitting around for a while do check it properly before driving it again.If you drive around with a dead battery or seized brakes it can be dangerous for you, the car can even break down in the middle of the road and fixing these problems will be expensive.. To avoid such situations make sure you maintain the car regularly, drive it frequently and keep it clean.
